A member of the Australian hockey team at the Olympics has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of trying to buy cocaine in Paris. Tom Craig, who helped the Aussies to win silver in Tokyo three years ago, was allegedly arrested in the northern Pigalle area of the French capital on Tuesday night.

Police arrested two men in the middle of a transaction, according to Franceinfo, with Craig allegedly held on suspicion of possessing one gram of cocaine. Local prosecutors said Craig was spotted 'at the foot of a building in the ninth arrondissement' shortly after midnight.

In a statement, the Australian Olympic Committee said: "An Australian hockey team member is in custody after being arrested in Paris on August 6th. No charges have been laid. The AOC is continuing to make enquiries and arrange support for the team member."

The investigation has reportedly been handed over to the Narcotics Brigade and it remains to be seen if charges will be brought against Craig or the other man who was arrested. The northern Pigalle area, where the arrests were made, is a trendy Paris neighbourhood known for its theatres and shopping.

In France, any person caught with less than five grams of cocaine can face an on-the-spot fine as low as €150 (£128.86). The law, which was adopted in 2020, still allows those convicted of serious illegal drug use charges to spend up to a year behind bars.

The rule was introduced to 'simplify the work of law enforcement officers' and reduce pressure on criminal courts.

Craig is a veteran of the Australian national hockey team, having made over a century of appearances throughout a decade-long career. He was part of the side that won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 before claiming silver at the last Olympics in Tokyo.

Australia's hockey team had a mixed Olympic campaign, with victories over Argentina, Ireland and New Zealand offset by losses at the hands of Belgium, India and the Netherlands. They were knocked out in the quarter-finals by their Dutch opponents, ending their hopes of winning a second successive medal.

Hockey Australia chief executive David Pryles praised the team's culture earlier on Wednesday, posting on social media: "Incredible group of athletes and staff we have. With the right people, culture and values, you can accomplish great things. There’s only upside from here."